Refs need to see sense in big game
BY GAVIN BERRY ALAN ARCHIBALD has described tonight’s clash at Firhill as the biggest of his 18 years at Partick Thistle – and urged the officials to consider what’s at stake.
Ross County co-boss Steven Ferguson called on Kevin Clancy to put in a strong performance in the massive relegation battle in Glasgow.
Ferguson hit out at Bobby Madden for not taking action against Hamilton’s Darian Mackinnon for poleaxing Jamie Lindsay in the Staggies’ defeat at Hamilton Accies.
Thistle gaffer Archibald watched the whistler send off Dunfermline’s Lee Ashcroft in their firstleg play-off against Dundee United with Pars boss Allan Johnston claiming he was conned.
The Jags can move five points clear of bottom dogs County with a win but Archibald said: “The officials have a part to play at both ends.
“I saw that the other night in the Dunfermline game but they can only do their jobs. As long as they manage the game in the right way and know what’s at stake.
“I’m not saying you go about kicking each other but as long as they manage the game, realise what we’re playing for, that’d be the best way.
“They will be aware of what that means for both clubs. There won’t be any malice in it, just that the players will be hyped up to get three points.”
Archibald spent 13 years as a Jags player in two spells and is in his fifth as boss but said: “This is possibly the biggest game I’ve had at this club. It’s huge for both clubs.” MARTIN WOODS played his part in the greatest day in Ross County’s history but won’t think twice about pushing them closer to relegation tonight.
And the Partick Thistle midfielder piled the pressure on his old club ahead of the Firhill crunch by insisting the Staggies need to win the huge six-pointer.
Alan Archibald’s side can move five points clear of County who have won just two of their last 23 games to leave them anchored to the foot of the table.
Woods knows a victory would virtually end the Highlanders’ six-year stay in the top flight but he won’t allow personal feelings to come into it.
The 32-year-old helped Ross County win their first major trophy just over two years ago with a 2-1 League Cup Final win against Hibs at Hampden.
That was his second spell with the Staggies which came to an end when he was axed following a fallout with then-manager Jim